Newbie

This is a discussion on Newbie within the New Members Introduce Yourself forums, part of the Welcome To DefensiveCarry.com category; Not new to guns, just carry - I'm trying this to see how it suits me should I feel the need to, mostly because it ...

Newbie

Not new to guns, just carry - I'm trying this to see how it suits me should I feel the need to, mostly because it is "my right", and want to test the waters, so to speak.

Have my permit, have my pistols, all of which are full-sized. Contemplated buying a pistol just for carry, but decided maybe I should first dip into this with something I'm already familiar with before plopping down another $600 for something compact. So, I bought a good Galco belt and holtser (inside the belt). I've been walking around the house a couple of days, with different pant combinations with a full-sized 1911 in my new Galco holster. Haven't done anything more. Before I go "outside" the questions I have are as follows...

First, I have no pants that I bought specifically for carry. The pants I've tried are ok, but I'm not use to this either. How much do you feel this is this an issue, walking, driving, etc? BTW, the belt is doing a great job holding it all together, so far....

Secondly, I have longer shirts, and so far, haven't found a typical one that "reveals it", but I can vaguely see that "something" is there, as I look in the mirror. Where is the line between 100% conceal and "printing"?

Third, (and I know this will take practice) my pistol comes in and out of my holster very akwardly and slowly. I know the holster is new, and will take some breaking in and practice. Any tips that don't involve dipping my pristine 1911 into some oil?

Lastly, and this is for future consideration on my part and your input, does a significantly smaller gun make that much difference? I don't own anything that is compact, so far.... I know better, but as I sit around and experiment, I feel I'm either going to squash my pistol, or shoot myself in the ass... That's a mild joke, by the way....

I can successfully conceal nearly any gun from full-size to smaller but haven't gone to the little tiny ones as I see no need for it. My state allows open carry so if it shows through my clothing it's no big deal. I still want to conceal as well as possible. Upon observation I've noticed that many men have a bulge somewhere around their belt line. It could be a cell phone, a multi-tool or anything that could be held on the belt. Some which I've observed could also be a concealed handgun. I've found that in the summer months it's more of a challenge but a slightly large T shirt, untucked conceals well enough. I've even had my wife ask me if I forgot my gun when I was actually wearing it. Most of my T shirts are dark in color, some have writing on it or a design but not all. With a large gun you might have to get creative & choose a slightly different holster position. I don't carry IWB but will consider it when my M&P 40C ever gets delivered. At this time I carry a Sigma 40VE which is the exact size of a Glock 23. As far as I'm concerned if the shape of the gun doesn't show it's not printing.

Holsters will break in. Leather ones can be broken in faster by storing your gun in them after you take it off. I've never needed to use leather oil but it might help.

I found going up one size for pants helps a lot for IWB carry. As to the bulge, don't worry about it. People are unobservant and even if they do notice a bulge it could be many things other than a handgun. As you practice drawing your gun it will become easier for you. Try to experiment with belt position and cant. Lastly, I've tried small pistols and found they're just not for me unless it's a snubbie revolver. I prefer medium or larger. Remember, carry the gun you're most effective with and work around that!

Welcome to DC. You don't need a lot of specialized clothing to carry. Perhaps some shirts that are just a little big to help you conceal without printing too badly and to help you get to the pistol if/when needed, a good strong belt and a decent holster. As for the rest, practice, practice, practice.

I found going up one size for pants helps a lot for IWB carry. As to the bulge, don't worry about it. People are unobservant and even if they do notice a bulge it could be many things other than a handgun. As you practice drawing your gun it will become easier for you. Try to experiment with belt position and cant. Lastly, I've tried small pistols and found they're just not for me unless it's a snubbie revolver. I prefer medium or larger. Remember, carry the gun you're most effective with and work around that!

good advice here.. I personally feel that with my setups Lees work the best in the way they fit me when carrying. Dickies also work rather well one size bigger. I already wear a bigger shirt than normal, so i have no problems concealing. A few things I foudn that help..

Holster break in tip

I heard about this tip and it worked well for me. I bought a hand tooled leather holster for my gun and it was very tight at first. To loosen it up UNLOAD the gun and wrap it in two or three layers of waked paper than put it into the holster, leave it that way for a day or two. Remove the waxed paper and check the fit. Repeat if neccessary

The extra thickness of paper will help stretch the leather and the wax will sink into the leather protecting it and also making the gun slip in and out easier.

1. For IWB carry, going up one waist size does make it a little more comfortable.

2. Don't worry too much about minor "printing" many people are so oblivious that they won't even notice you and those that do notice you are general not observant enough to notice little details such as a gun bulge.

3. You could try rubbing a little talcum powder or wax on the leather to ease the friction.

4. This is personal preference. Some people find smaller lower capacity guns tend to be more comfortable to carry and larger higher capacity guns tend to be more comforting to carry.

My DeSantis instructions were ,"Insert gun. Leave gun in holster until broken in. After break in period, leave gun in holster.". That's the gist of all three holsters I have. Holsters are supposed to be stiff. If you put stuff on it to help break it in it won't hold its shape. Time, my friend, is the remedy.

I have found Galco holsters are tighter than other brands at first, but also that they stretch more than some other maker's holsters eventually. The wax paper trick works well for tight Galco rigs, just don't go too far and never use anything on a holster to soften the leather or you will have a useless holster.

I prefer a fighting sized carry weapon and find the Govt. sized 1911's a delight to carry, (not my EDC anymore, but still appreciate carrying one on occasion). The slimness of the slide really makes even a full sized 1911 easy to hide. Good Lucy and welcome to the forum.

I have no pants that I bought specifically for carry. The pants I've tried are ok, but I'm not use to this either. How much do you feel this is this an issue, walking, driving, etc?

You don't need special pants to carry. If you like to wear clothing that won't accommodate a gun belt, there are other options available (remora, bellyband, compression shirt, etc). These options do work better with lighter/smaller guns.

Third, (and I know this will take practice) my pistol comes in and out of my holster very akwardly and slowly. I know the holster is new, and will take some breaking in and practice. Any tips that don't involve dipping my pristine 1911 into some oil?

Don't judge a holster (or belt!) until it's broken in. And beware of trying to hasten the breaking-in process artificially, lest you go too far and make the holster too loose. You can wrap the gun in saran wrap and leave it in the holster overnight a few times, and twist the gun in the holster a few times, to make it a tad looser. When breaking in a leather holster or belt, I like to strap 'em on and do some physical activity. Body heat, moisture, and movement will cause the leather to conform like it should.

Lastly, and this is for future consideration on my part and your input, does a significantly smaller gun make that much difference? I don't own anything that is compact, so far....

It really depends on how you dress. A small, flat gun makes a big difference for me with the outfits I wear during our very long, hot, humid summers. If I lived in a cold weather northern state, I'd be carrying a full sized gun year 'round.

"...people who carry a gun understand that they are arming themselves against a very unlikely event... People who arm themselves are not confused about the odds. They are concerned about the stakes. -Kathy Jackson NRA Life Member